„Welcome back, Twisted Metal” indie vehicular combat game, Fumes, burns retro nostalgia for fuel

Vehicular combat is back. Fumes, an indie title about building cars, driving them through a wasteland, and destroying other cars, just got a release date for its early access launch next month. The Fumes demo has been available for over a year and has received 98% positive reviews from nearly 200 players. If you’ve been missing the experience of games like Twisted Metal, here’s something to add to your Steam wishlist. Fumes launches in early access on July 28th.

Twisted Metal is back in Fumes, a new indie addition to the vehicular combat genre

Fumes has a retro vibe, featuring pixelated car designs and classic details, such as 2D flame sprites for the flamethrower. The one downside is that there’s currently no multiplayer, but the team has shared a roadmap on the Steam page, so players know what to expect. Gameplay will consist of shooting enemy cars as you take on challenging races, deliver mysterious packages, and fight enormous boss battles.

Your car is highly customizable; the trailer shows at least half a dozen car frames, each with different stats and strengths. Add color, stickers, and of course, weaponry. It’s not a major part of the gameplay shown so far, but there does appear to be some level of melee options. A few cars have a pair of buzzsaws attached to the front. The early access roadmap also promises a “melee combat overhaul” at some point.

Early access is not always something people are willing to take part in. The game is being released in an incomplete state. However, this isn’t a huge studio trying to capitalize on an unfinished product. The Fumes Team is four people working on it in their spare time. Any support that comes from wishlisting the game or sending some money their way by buying into early access will directly support the development process.

The top comment on the YouTube video for this latest trailer sums up the general sentiment: “Close enough. Welcome back, Twisted Metal.” Many other comments express excitement about the nostalgia this game evokes, and they are eager to have more of this game to look forward to. If you’re in for some retro vehicular combat, add Fumes to your Steam wishlist and look forward to July 28th when it launches in early access on Steam.

Fumes

July 28, 2025

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• Overview

• indie games
• Early Access